Lagos Residents Lament as Prices of Condoms Rise by Over 100%
Several Lagos residents have expressed worries regarding the rising prices of condoms, fearing it could result in unsafe sexual practices and unplanned pregnancies among the populace.
During separate interviews conducted on Saturday, these residents emphasized the importance of affordable contraceptives in safeguarding the health of individuals, preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and enabling responsible family planning.
Notably, a variety of condom types and brands are available, including Durex, Fiesta, Kiss, Rough Rider, and Gold Circle.
Checks conducted at several pharmacies revealed a surge in condom prices, with increases ranging from 50 to 200 percent compared to last year’s rates.
Felix Atuche, a banker, admitted that due to the escalating condom costs, he has turned to withdrawal methods, albeit with the hope of avoiding unintended pregnancy.
“I usually use the Durex Fetherlite Elite condom because it heightens the feelings between partners, just like skin to skin.
“I used to buy the pack for N1,900, but now it goes for N2,500 to N3,500, depending on the pharmacy I purchase from.
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“I resorted to the withdrawal method, but my wife has been avoiding sex with me because she’s scared of getting pregnant,” he said.
Also, a businesswoman, Monisola Ajayi, said she prioritised her sexual health by ensuring that she used female condoms during sexual intercourse.
“Female condoms are available but more expensive than male condoms,” Ms Ajayi said. “Ten pieces of Fc2 vaginal condom go for over N4,200 now, before it was around N2,000.”
“If I don’t have a condom, then no show for Oga except he buys it for me. The hardship in the country is negatively affecting our sexual health,” Ms. Ajayi added.
Moreover, Celestine Adesola, a member of the youth corps, emphasized that the escalating prices of condoms are leaving many young people vulnerable to engaging in unsafe sexual practices, potentially leading to a rise in sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.
“Valentine’s celebration is this week, and some parents would be shocked if they knew the unimaginable and risky practices that their teens and youths want to indulge in for fun.
“I would advise that enlightenment should be intensified among teens and youths,” Ms. Adesola said.
Michael Achoji, a pharmacist, remarked that the surge in condom prices has been influenced by escalating inflation, production costs, and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
He urged the federal government to prioritize sexual and reproductive health concerns by implementing consistent interventions aimed at guaranteeing widespread access to and affordability of contraceptives.
